Crown lengthening is a specialized periodontal procedure that adjusts the gum and bone levels to expose more of your natural tooth structure. This treatment is often recommended for both cosmetic and restorative reasons. If you have a “gummy smile,” where excessive gum tissue covers too much of your teeth, crown lengthening in Chandler, Arizona, can help reshape the gumline to create a more balanced and attractive appearance. By gently removing excess gum tissue and sometimes a small amount of bone, we can reveal more of your tooth and improve the overall proportions of your smile.
Why You Might Need Crown Lengthening
One of the most common reasons patients seek crown lengthening is to improve the aesthetics of their smile. If your teeth look short or uneven due to bulky or overgrown gums, this treatment can make a significant difference in your appearance. Even though your teeth may be the correct length, too much gum tissue can make them appear small. Crown lengthening (also known as cosmetic gum shaping) helps bring symmetry and balance to your smile by revealing more of each tooth’s surface.
Crown lengthening is also used for functional purposes. If a tooth is broken near the gumline or has insufficient structure above the gum for a restoration like a dental crown or bridge, this procedure can expose more of the tooth so that it can be properly restored. It ensures that our dentists has enough healthy tooth structure to secure a restoration effectively, reducing the risk of future complications.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The crown lengthening process typically involves just one visit to Artistic Dentistry. After administering local anesthesia or sedation, our dentists will carefully reshape the gum and bone tissue around the affected tooth or teeth. Once the appropriate amount of tooth is exposed, the area is cleaned and sutured. Healing usually takes a few weeks, and during that time, you will receive post-operative instructions to help ensure a smooth recovery.
Benefits of Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening offers both cosmetic and practical advantages. It enhances your smile’s appearance, boosts your confidence and enables successful restorations that may not have been possible otherwise. This procedure can also improve oral hygiene by reducing the depth of gum pockets, making it easier to keep your teeth and gums clean.
If you have been told that your tooth cannot be restored due to limited exposure above the gumline or if you are unhappy with the look of your smile, crown lengthening in Chandler, Arizona, may be the right solution. Contact us today at 480-878-5570 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Luis Keys, Dr. Karina Keys, Dr. Claudio Cosio or Dr. Lakin Radeka and learn more about how this treatment can benefit you.